Main image

Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Pelabuhan Belawan

Town

Medan’s working port: container terminals, fishing piers and oily seafood stalls. Visitors pass through for ferries to nearby islands, fresh prawns at the fish market, and the harbor’s industrious rhythms.

Pelabuhan Belawan Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsPelabuhan Belawan
In this guide

Pelabuhan Belawan essentials

Country: Indonesia
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Rupiah (Rp)
Language: Indonesian
Emergency: 110

Pelabuhan Belawan at a Glance

Local Time
4:40 AM
GMT+7
Population
102,707

Costs: Typical daily budget: $25-60 - low to moderate; $25 for budget, $60 for comfortable stays.

Safety: Take care - petty crime in port areas - port districts have petty crime; stay aware around docks and at night.

Best Time: May-September (drier months) - may-September has less rain - best for sea travel and island hops.

Belawan is Medan’s main seaport on Sumatra and the primary gateway for ferries to outlying islands like Nias.

Why Visit Pelabuhan Belawan?

Pelabuhan Belawan is Medan’s working gateway to Sumatra, known first for its port operations, lively fish markets and seafood stalls along the waterfront. Travelers often pass through to experience the raw atmosphere of Belawan’s docks, sample freshly grilled ikan bakar and explore the nearby coastal communities. Ferries and shipping activity give a look into Indonesia’s maritime economy, while local eateries and markets provide a snapshot of North Sumatran coastal cuisine and daily life.

Best Things to Do in Pelabuhan Belawan

Pelabuhan Belawan Bucket List

Don't Miss

Belawan Port area - Active port district where fishing boats, cargo operations, and waterfront life mix.

Belawan Beach - Local beach used by fishermen and families for evening walks and sunsets.

Pasar Ikan Belawan - Fish market offering freshly landed seafood and lively morning trading activity.

Hidden Gems

Local seafood warungs - Small coastal eateries serving freshly cooked fish, prawns, and spicy sambals.

Coffeeshops along Jalan Pelabuhan - Neighborhood cafes frequented by workers offering strong coffee and simple snacks.

Old colonial warehouses - Unused port warehouses providing photogenic backdrops and traces of maritime history.

Day Trips

Medan city - Short trip to Medan to visit Maimun Palace, Great Mosque, and culinary streets.

Tjong A Fie Mansion - Historic mansion and museum in Medan showcasing Chinese-Indonesian heritage and decor.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Pelabuhan Belawan

Pelabuhan Belawan is easiest May-September during the drier months for smoother sea conditions and outdoor activities. The October-April rains bring heavy storms and frequent squalls.

Rainy Season

October - April24°C - 32°C (75°F - 90°F)

Heavy tropical downpours, high humidity, and occasional squalls - plan indoor activities and expect consistently wet, slippery harbors.

Dry Season

May - September24°C - 31°C (75°F - 88°F)

Lower rain and humidity make for breezier, more pleasant days - best time for harbor visits, beach walks, and boat trips.

Inter-monsoon

April & October24°C - 33°C (75°F - 91°F)

Unstable weather with sudden, unpredictable storms between monsoons - expect pockets of sun, squalls and brief travel interruptions to schedules.

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2332 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 77 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 21° - 30° 26° 125 mm overcast 81% 2.6 m/s 1.9 very high 11.8h
February Very Good 22° - 31° 26° 98 mm overcast 79% 2.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
March Good 22° - 31° 27° 123 mm overcast 79% 2.1 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
April Acceptable 23° - 32° 30° 160 mm overcast 79% 1.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
May Acceptable 23° - 32° 30° 210 mm overcast 79% 1.6 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.2h
June Acceptable 22° - 32° 29° 159 mm overcast 77% 1.8 m/s 2.0 very high 12.2h
July Acceptable 22° - 31° 27° 156 mm overcast 77% 1.9 m/s 2.0 very high 12.2h
August Good 22° - 31° 27° 197 mm overcast 77% 1.8 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
September Good 22° - 31° 26° 292 mm overcast 79% 1.8 m/s 2.0 very high 12.0h
October Good 22° - 30° 26° 329 mm overcast 81% 1.8 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
November Good 22° - 30° 26° 268 mm overcast 83% 1.8 m/s 1.8 very high 11.8h
December Good 22° - 30° 26° 215 mm overcast 83% 2.1 m/s 1.7 very high 11.8h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Pelabuhan Belawan

By Air
By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Pelabuhan Belawan

  • -
  • -
  • -
  • -
  • Walking -
Eat & Drink

Where to Eat in Pelabuhan Belawan

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Pelabuhan Belawan’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Indonesian
Seafood
Padang
Chicken
Pizza
Noodle
Barbecue
Batak
Burger
Chinese
Acehnese
Steak House

Nightlife in Pelabuhan Belawan

Nightlife in the immediate Belawan port area is limited. Evenings tend to focus on seafood restaurants and small cafés along the waterfront rather than bars or clubs. For a wider selection of evening entertainment, head into Medan where there are more restaurants, bars and live-music venues.

Shopping in Pelabuhan Belawan

Shopping around Belawan is practical and maritime-focused: you’ll find fish markets and small stalls selling seafood, basic groceries and equipment for fishing or shipping workers. For broader retail choices, travel into Medan. Waterfront eateries and stalls sell fresh catch and local snacks rather than crafts or high-end goods.